Summer in Silicon Beach

This Memorial Day, we plan to add some rest and balance to our work / life equation as we relax in Silicon Beach. In fact, the more people approach me for advice on relocating to our community, the more I appreciate the unique opportunity we have to mix personal passion projects with business. I have always been interested in cleantech, urban farming, and a strong sense of community, and this summer I can take the time to contribute to all three.

Our growing Silicon Beach startup community

Last night, I was a panelist in the Los Angeles Cleantech Incubator’s Negotiation Strategies Workshop. In addition to being in the company of several brilliant founders and executives, I was grateful for the opportunity to connect with other people who are passionate about cleantech and innovating to solve large scale environmental problems. In recent years, we have seen an increase in the number of accelerators, incubators, and funds in Silicon Beach, particularly in the new Cleantech Corridor in Downtown LA. I am fortunate to live in a community that embraces a sustainable future.

Taking a break in Santa Monica and Venice

One hallmark of our company culture is that we take time to truly unplug and enjoy the outdoors without our iPhone tethers. One opportunity to do this during the summer is the longstanding free Twilight Concerts series at Santa Monica Pier. This summer, the series is presented by Snap, Inc. Another tradition that happens all year long but is particularly fun in the summer is First Fridays, an outdoor event that happens a main road in Venice called Abbot Kinney every first Friday of the month. This mental relaxation gives me greater focus when I return to work.

As the garden grows, so does the gardener

Finally, I am reminded each morning that there are certain things in life that cannot be rushed. For instance: recruiting leadership candidates, hardware prototyping, and gardening. One of the key benefits of my own backyard garden is that it reminds me that small, persistent actions in hobbies and work can have a positive, cumulative impact on a large goal. This sentiment is echoed by cleantech and urban farming startups in Silicon Beach. One example is Local Roots, an indoor farm in Downtown Los Angeles with a unique solution for high density, low water farming. For me, knowing that I can reduce my carbon footprint in some small way by growing a percentage of my food myself gives me a sense of accomplishment this summer. The question therefore is not what are we doing in the community this summer, but how can we contribute to our community this summer?